International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed every year since 1993, when the United Nations General Assembly, by resolution 47/196, designated this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. Fighting poverty remains at the core of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the development of the post-2015 development agenda.

2014 Theme – Leave no one behind: think, decide and act together against extreme poverty

The 2014 theme recognises and underscores the demanding challenge of identifying and securing the participation of those experiencing extreme poverty and social exclusion in the “Post-2015 Development Agenda” that will replace the Millennium Development Goals.

The official commemoration on 17 October at UN Headquarters will be an occasion to recognize people living in poverty as critical partners for fighting the development challenges we face. The commemoration at the UN is organized in partnership with the International Movement ATD Fourth World, the NGO Sub-committee for the Eradication of Poverty and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, supported by the Missions of France and Burkina Faso to the UN.

One of the initiatives planned is a ten-part exhibition of collective artwork by people living in poverty that will be mounted in the buildings of the United Nations from 13 October 2014.

There will be a panel discussion on 16 October 2014 (1.15-2.30 pm) at the United Nations Headquarters entitled “Beijing+20 – Leaving No One Behind: Women, Poverty, and Participation”, which will explore the disproportionate effects of poverty on women and women’s contributions to ending poverty.

Help the United Nations to raise awareness about the progress made and the challenges that remain for people living in poverty. Use #EndPoverty to post your messages about the MDGs and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.